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Sunday, 19 June 2016

A Collective Response To Recent Suspensions Of Labour Party Members For Alleged Anti-Semitism

Copied below is an Africans For JC Values-led letter recently delivered to the Labour Party HQ. The letter is co-signed by Labour Party members and non-members, Africans and non-Africans, Jewish and non-Jewish people, united in view that the selective use of suspensions is unhelpful.

For
the attention of:
Iain McNichol, General Secretary
Members of the National Executive Committee
and Compliance Unit Head
Labour Party1 Brewers Green
LondonSW1H 0RH

Hand delivered on 14th June
2016

Dear Mr McNichol,

Re: A collective response to recent
suspensions of Labour Party members

We, the undersigned, affirm our
faith in true Labour values and therefore support the leadership of Jeremy
Corbyn and the refreshing politics of the Alternative he has brought back to
the Labour Party.

We
are, however concerned about the recent suspensions of committed Labour Party
members for alleged anti-Semitism which undermines serious discussion and
thinking. We are particularly concerned by the selective use of
suspensions, most recently the suspension of Marlene Ellis, a hard
working activist with a track record of fighting racism and supporting the
local community, for an online post made on behalf of Momentum Black ConneXions
which called for Ken Livingstone to be reinstated.

We
also register our concerns about the suspensions of Ken Livingstone, Simon
Hinds, Tony Greenstein, David White and others. We are disappointed
that the appalling behaviour of John Mann MP, haranguing
and insulting Ken Livingstone, a senior citizen, and calling him a
liar and Nazi apologist in front of cameras, has not led to reproach
or censure from the Labour Party and its Compliance Unit, even though the
behaviour brought the Labour Party into disrepute. John Mann MP is an elected
representative of the Party, and his behaviour fell far short of
the standards expected of elected representatives.

It appears
allegations of anti-Semitism are being used to stifle the sharing of
information on some of the uncomfortable events that took place during the
Shoah, the
Maangamizi (African Holocaust) and free speech. Allegations are also being made
to silence criticisms of Israel, hamper the work of Momentum activists,
and undermine Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

We
are uncomfortable with the parallel between the suspensions and what
took place during the McCarthy era in the United States.

It is worrying that comments that do not
please a section of the population are deemed anti-Semitic, whether or not
statements are made in the course of rational or factual discussion, and there seems to be undue
haste to suspend. Some members of the Party appear to have exploited a
somewhat hysterical atmosphere which has been allowed to develop. This is reminiscent of
the Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts, rather than of calm, rational
consideration. African tradition teaches us to value the lessons of the
past in the spirit of Sankofa, so that we do not repeat mistakes.

We also note
that there isn't the same level of indignation when anti-African comments, or
Islamophobic comments linking Muslims to ISIS, are made. All communities should
be treated with equal respect.

The
current suspensions are perceived as a tool to intimidate activists on the Left
which is inimical to the progress of the Labour Party.

The
recent lifting of Jackie Walker's suspension supports the view that
the suspensions are being applied and publicised in haste, without due
consideration.

We
call on the General Secretary of the Labour Party, the Compliance Unit and the
NEC to make a full response to the points raised in this letter and not
use the Chakrabarti Inquiry as an excuse to avoid addressing the serious points
raised.

The First Graderscreening and mini open discussion led by history consultant Kwaku on the value of education and British colonial rule in Kenya. + book stall. Presented by BTWSC in association with WSDG. Westminster City Hall, Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP (Victoria), Friday Nov. 9, 6-8pm: www.ahmfirstgrader.eventbrite.com